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Ben Harrison from Byrne Avenue Trust – the organisation which is aiming to re-open the building – says they hope to have the 99 year lease sorted out around Christmas, at which point repairs can start.

He said they have already found architects to take on the job, and added: “We want to get in there as soon as possible, because obviously it’s winter, the roof has holes in it, and we want to prevent any more damage.”

Local people and staff had been shocked in February 2009 when a notice was pinned to the door of the much-loved baths saying the pool had shut in its 75th anniversary year.

This soon prompted a community campaign to see them re-opened, and in 2010 the council agreed to lease the building to BACT, made up of a group of local businessmen, who said they want to see it become a community centre and swimming pool.